Wedding Crasher
689 Words
Every instinct screamed at me to stay away. To let Nathan and Vivian bask in their perfect little lie.
But cowards look away. Survivors watch.
I wasn’t here to mourn. I was here to witness what they stole.
“Ma’am, guest list?” the usher asked.
I smiled sweetly, sharp enough to cut glass. “Bride’s side. Cousin. Twice removed.”
He hesitated. Mistake number one. Confidence is the best counterfeit.
“Are you going to make me miss the vows?” I breezed past him before he found his voice.
Inside, the ballroom glittered like a crime scene disguised as a fairytale. Chandeliers dripping crystal. Imported roses scenting the air. White silk chairs lined up in perfect rows.
And at the altar, betrayal dressed in a ten-thousand-dollar gown.
Vivian Reynolds. My rival. My project thief. The woman who stole everything—including Nathan.
Nathan Reyes stood beside her, flawless in his black suit, jaw tight. He looked perfect for the cameras. But I saw it. The c***k. The nerves.
Her eyes found mine mid-vow. She smiled just enough for the photographer to believe joy. But I knew better. It was a dare.
I slid into the back row, my clutch heavy with proof that could ruin them both.
When the priest asked, “Do you, Nathan Reyes, take Vivian Reynolds—”
His lips parted. “I, Aia—”
My name.
The ballroom froze. Cameras clicked. Vivian’s bouquet trembled.
Nathan’s eyes shot to mine, wide and panicked. He swallowed hard. “I… do.”
The applause roared, but I couldn’t hear it. My hand pressed to my stomach. My child’s father just promised forever to someone else—with my name on his lips.
I turned to leave, but Vivian’s voice cracked through the air like a whip.
“Aia!”
The room gasped. She stood radiant in her gown, her eyes sharp as knives. “So glad you could make it. I wasn’t sure you’d have the courage.”
“Courage?” My heels clicked as I stepped forward. “You mean the courage to watch the man who promised to marry me marry you?”
Gasps rippled. Nathan went pale. “Aia, this isn’t—”
“Don’t.” My voice cut like ice. “Don’t lie to me in your wedding tux.”
Vivian’s smile never wavered. “Well, whether you like it or not, he’s mine now. And you? You were never marriage material.”
Her bridesmaids snickered like paid background actors.
I tilted my head, smiling like I held the detonator. “Enjoy your honeymoon. Oh… and maybe ask him where he was the night before he proposed.”
Vivian’s smile faltered. Nathan’s jaw clenched. The silence hit like an earthquake.
I didn’t wait to see the fallout. I turned on my heel, but as I left, Vivian’s gaze flicked to my stomach. Suspicion flared in her eyes before her mask slid back into place.
She knew. Or thought she did.
The night air hit me like ice. My pulse thundered. The city blurred as I walked, miles disappearing under my heels.
On the bridge, I gripped the railing. Not to jump. Just to breathe.
“Ma’am, step away from the edge!” sirens blared behind me.
But before the police reached me, a shadow appeared.
Tall. Broad-shouldered. Black tux tailored to perfection. He smelled like power and expensive cologne. His presence eclipsed the flashing lights.
He held out a sleek black card.
$5,000,000.00.
My breath caught. “What is this?”
“An offer,” he said, his voice low and smooth. “Vivian and Nathan aren’t saints. They’re pawns in something bigger. Take this… and I’ll make sure you win.”
I laughed bitterly. “Five million dollars? And you’re not insane?”
“Not insane. Strategic.” His eyes locked on mine. “Why you? Because I hate watching people get away with what they did to you.”
My stomach twisted. His words stung because they felt… true.
I slipped the card into my clutch. Heavy. Dangerous.
“Name?” I asked.
He leaned closer. “Damon.”
- Writer
